Yolanda Jurgensen transitioned from “tourist” to “local” 19 years ago when visiting Colorado from her home in Peru.  She has an extensive background in business and banking and now is a loan officer with Premier Mortgage. She is the mother of two beautiful girls and also finds time to teach Zumba for the Granby Recreation Department!

Questions:

Q: Are you a Grand County native? If not where you from and what brought you to Grand County?

A: No, I am from Peru. Colorado was my “last” destination to visit after I finished college and before I was ready to continue with my master’s degree. Those were my plans in theory, but life and destiny had different plans for me. I met my husband here in Winter Park and my plans changed “slightly”. Instead, I became a mom and put my career plans on the side to be a full-time mom for a little while.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in Grand County?

A: Hard to believe that it has been 19 years already!

Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career? What do you love most about what you do?

A: It started when I was in high school, my teachers would highlight that I have “talent” (not sure about that) for math and creativity. My high school counselor recommended pursuing a career in business/marketing. I was a good listener, ha-ha, and I got a full scholarship to attend San Marcos University (Lima-Peru). While in college, again I got feedback from a couple of professors that I have “natural” talent for interpersonal skills and I was good at numbers, so I searched for and luckily got an internship at one of the biggest banks in Peru. I was able to be part of the Import/Export improvement team working on the bank/customer documentation process.

Witnessing first-hand how the bankers help, interact, and develop great client-banker relationships, and how being part of assisting clients to reach their financial dreams/goals motivated me to continue in the banking path. I have always have been intrigued about cultures and traveling outside the country, and because of other personal situations I decided to take a break for a bit on my professional plans, and instead, I explored the world!

Later, after some years as a full-time mom, I returned to the workforce on a part-time basis, moving to the HR Department as payroll person for some years, transitioning to the banking world working for local banks, and later to become a consumer loan officer, and now  I am a mortgage loan officer for my current employer.

I am happy and feel blessed how my life-path has taken me to be where I am now giving me the opportunity to continue serving my community, doing and giving my best for my clients, and having an amazing employer that truly supports my efforts and goals.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in Grand County and what are your favorite meals there?

A: Pepe Osaka’s Fishtaco (their margaritas and tacos are amazing) and Pearl Dragon.  My favorite dish to order is chow fun, besides having great food, their customer service is outstanding!

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Grand County? And why?

A: Susan Volk (former manager at a local retail store and current owner of Mountain Grind Bistro). Sue is an inspiring person not only because she has so many talents (poet, artist, and gardener just to mention a few) but because of her work ethic and determination to follow her dream. I witnessed her coffee shop dream become a reality exactly the way she used to describe it to me some time ago. She is a person full of optimism and is calm as can be to handle all kinds of challenging situations.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?

A: Finland, for so many reasons. Besides its beautiful nature and the northern lights, this country has been nominated several years in a row as the “happiest country in the world”.

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

A: Friends. We all need a “dose” of silliness in our days.

Q: What advice would you give someone moving to Grand County?

A: To admire the beauty of the Grand County nature offers right on our backyards and so many possibilities we have in front of us to balance work, life, and play. The warm and welcoming community makes it so unique that when you move here, you don’t feel alone or away from family, the community has your back during good and not so good times.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: To become a good gardener, travel more and visits some amazing countries in Europe, due to the circumstances now, it has to wait a bit longer but I would like to visit Spain, Italy, and France.

Q: What is your go-to band or favorite music when you can’t decide what to listen to?

A: UB40.

Q: What do you like to do during your free time?

A: Equally dancing and cooking.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you take them for lunch?

A: Brook Gibbs, an amazing human being (sociologist and psychologist) that travels around the world to schools to help students face and confront bullying with kindness and empathy. His ability to deliver the message to kids and adults about resilience, respect, and love for ourselves. He reminds us that we have those strengths within us, and he emphasizes that hate doesn’t resolve anything but makes us weak and vulnerable. I would like to know how he overcame his own suffering being bullied during high school and ignited within him to turn it in his favor and become an inspiration to others.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Grand County?

A: Grand county is so unique in so many ways. From being surrounded by beautiful nature, we are also surrounded by inspiring business owners, professionals, and organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving our nature and to assist our residents. Participating actively with amazing non-profits organizations serving the county to support during challenging times is so rewarding and there are so many opportunities for all of us residents to make a difference in someone’s life. Giving a hand between neighbors and members of the community when someone needs it because of circumstances, it is priceless and you’ll witness it.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

A: Still working in my business, and to continue actively volunteering with my favorite non-profit organizations and traveling a little more often.

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

A: Not very interesting but very handy, I am ambidextrous.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been to?

A: Machu Picchu (one of the wonders of the world located in the mountains of Peru).

Q: If you were cast in a movie and could choose your co-star, who would it be?

A: Adam Sandler- so funny guy even in real life, and great soul to be a Hollywood actor(watched an interview with Jennifer Aniston that she was talking about Adam and how supportive and encouraging friend he is in real life).

Q: If you had a full-time staff member that was fully paid for, who would you choose? Chef, Housekeeper, Driver, Coach, Physical Fitness Trainer, or Nanny?

A: Without a doubt, a Housekeeper!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: My daughters; such beautiful and smart young girls with high standards and expectations in real life that I get challenged (in a good way) to be a better parent and professional.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?

A: The rain and the after rain; the smell of wet soil.

Q: What is that one business that you would like to see in grand County that currently isn’t here.

A: Breakfast deliveries, gift baskets deliveries.

Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

A: Where your heart is, Family and Safe and cozy place to be.

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